The only acceptable Indian restaurant on the Westside is Madhu's Dasaprakash on Santa Monica near Bundy. Southern Indian vegetarian food; one of the best places inthe Southland. Others will tempt you with tales of Bombay Cafe or All India, but heed them not.

I'm just a regular chick, not hyper knowledgable, but I've never had a bad meal at Akbar on Washington west of Lincoln (I believe there's a new Akbar on Wilshire in West LA, but I haven't tried it). It was delicious delivery, too, when I lived a few blocks away. And I love the samosas at Dhaba on Main Street in Santa Monica. I agree with Pepper on Bombay Cafe - although they have fun cocktails and great lighting, I really wasn't too swept away with the important thing: the food!

But now I think I'll be off to check out Pepper's suggestion... see ya!

Akbar on Wilshire (near 26th St.) in Santa Monica is fantastic--amazing food and wonderful service. I used to be a big fan of Bombay Cafe, but I think they packed some extra attitude during the move to the Pico location. The frankie and masala dosa are still tasty, but it's pretty difficult to get in on a weekend without a reservation. And if you do happen to get in, you'll get subtle Westside attitude and a lousy table by the door (it's happened to me twice). For my money, I'd rather be treated like a valued customer, the way they treat people at Akbar. Every dish I've tried there has been excellent. Enjoy!

Agreed! BOMBAY CAFE is not traditional Indian food, but rather a tasty version of it that is not to be missed, if you like food that is inspired. However, please don't go on a Saturday night--- you'll wait longer than you would like and the crush of the other impatient and hungry customers tends to be unnerving.